Pakistan, Oct. 19 -- Hong Kong hosted a demanding underwater hockey tournament over the weekend, attracting players from across Asia. Competitors held their breath as they dived for a weighted puck at the bottom of a swimming pool. Organisers described the annual event as "physical hell." Despite the challenge, the sport continues to attract dedicated enthusiasts.

Players wear snorkel masks and fins while using short, curved sticks to move the puck. They repeatedly dive and resurface for air while keeping track of the action underwater. Each team fields six players, and matches have no goalkeepers. Referees monitor the game and can send players to a penalty box for serious fouls.

Leo Lines, a Japanese-New Zealand competitor from Hokkaid...